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Modesto Christian vs. De La Salle

Here's a fun fact: De La Salle's current coach, AJ Kuhle, was on the 2000 D1 state championship De La Salle team, and in 2001 MC's current coach, Richard Midgley, was on the Modesto Christian team that lost to Mater Dei by 3 in the D1 state championship. That 2001 MC team defeated De La Salle in the Norcal finals to reach that game. Kuhle graduated in 2000, so he and Midgley didn't face off, but interesting nonetheless.
 
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Midgley for those who don't know was an absolute stud in HS. A great floor general who could light it up.

As for the game, DLS size is going to really help them out. They were able to beat Sac High all over the boards tonight. Young had little help. He would go and block a shot or attempt to and DLS would get the offensive rebound and score when he was out of position. Udenyi probably had 5-6 offensive rebounds alone. You have 3-4 guys that all go 6"4-6-7" and they all can play. I think this one will be really low scoring. I could see it below 50 or right at it. I will stick with DLS in a barn burner. 50-49.

DLS was pretty good tonight. Kiddmann, what did you think after there slow start?
 
The key was Udenyi following drives to the basket after Young would try and block the shot. He must have had 4-5 follow up put backs on the offensive end. Also if you were there. #14 for DLS was the key to the game in the first half. I believe his last name is Orr. He is the kind of kid you say I want to guard him on the playground and then you realize quickly looks can be deceiving. The dude can flat out ball. He had some great plays in the 1st qtr when DLS was really struggling. Played a fantastic overall game.

Also, Swafford made some key mistakes. In the 4th DLS went on a run and his Asst was screaming to get a timeout and he was shaking it off. Sac high goes down and kid drives and is called for offensive foul. That was basically a turnover on the coach and was a huge swing. The were picked all night on ball screens and DLS had tons of lanes to the hoop. When (Not IF) Udenyi learns to shoot from 15 feet he will be a huge weapon. Teams just sag in the key off him now which they should. But if I'm him my butt is in the gym all summer working on my shot. Once he develops that look out.

I've been critical of Terrell stepping up in big games and he was really quiet last night. I think he finished with 8 pts but 4 came late in 4th when game was virtually decided. Young on the other hand should solidify himself as the POY.

Lastly, DLS got almost every lose ball. Its the litte things that win championships.

Fantastic season by Sac high.
 
A lot of DLS' juniors this year were part of an undefeated (28-0) freshman team (DLS does have two of those, although the Green team is usually the better one) that basically ran everyone out of the gym all season. I remember someone on here dismissing the notion they would ever do anything great at the varsity level only because most of those kids had played together for quite awhile before DLS and there didn't appear to be any superstars or college bound players on there. That team had Orr, O'Dea, Udenyi, and a few others. Of course they will have their own story to write next season without Peters and Ratinho. But it's clear to see those kids can play with the big boys.

I am curious what the future might hold for DLS basketball. In the past, while they certainly had their fair share of talent come through, there seemed to be some thinking that the previous coach's coaching style and antics put off quite a few good players who would go elsewhere to play in more uptempo offenses. Does the coaching change start to swing this the other way?
 
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Game will be played at Sleep Train, that means advantage Modesto Christian. DLS will not be able to control tempo or Ellis in that setting. Ratinho is a good shooter but we will see how he reacts in his first trip to the home of the Sacramento Kings. Have to go with Modesto just because they have been there, totally new experience for the current DLS players.
 
DLS was pretty good tonight. Kiddmann, what did you think after there slow start?

I was like, "Oh, crap, these guys (Sac) are just too athletic... Well, it was fun while it lasted..."

But soon after I thought that, some adjustments were made or something (I don't know what, but SOMEthing), and all of a sudden the open shots and clear paths to the hoop for Sac just plain disappeared and DLS slowwwly reeled 'em in and then blew right on by 'em. DLS won the middle quarters 39-20, I believe...

Gonna be a war vs. MC at Sleep Barn...
 
It should be a good game! But I think DLS just has a little to much for Modesto. Ellis will not go off against DLS, Ratinho is just to long and a good defender. He is very underrated for his defense. Modesto is not a shooting team, they area penetrating and get to the basket team. DLS will make the adjustments to win. They can beat you from the outside or go inside on you. What are you going to stop? Their is a reason why Ratinho is the best player in NorCal behind Josh Jackson.
 
Oh DLS will not control tempo because its at Sleep Train? In case you don't know MC plays a pretty methodical style. Look at there playoff scores against good teams. Low. This game will be in the 50's. Gong to be a great game but DLS size on the perimeter is tough to overcome. Don't talk to be about Ellis. Terrell is 3x the player and was totally shut out. Peters will put the clamps on him.
 
Larry Legend: Christian Terrell is 3x the player that Christian Ellis is? How? What does he do that Ellis can't? And to Sports 09: Ratinho the best player in NorCal other than Josh Jackson?
 
The things that Christian Ellis brings to this Modesto Christian basketball team have very often been overlooked or are just plain underappreciated. I'll grant that Christian Terrell's offensive game, specifically his shooting, is well advanced of Ellis, but I'll take Ellis' defense over Terrell any day of the week, along with his grit, leadership, and hustle. Ellis is a tough young man that does what it takes to make his team successful, whether it be taking the tough defensive assignment, making key plays down the stretch, or sacrificing his body on drives to the basket. These things are not seen in the stat sheet at the end of the game, but they are reflected in the scoreboard, and are a huge part of why MC is 32-1. Ellis is also a pretty darn good facilitator too. I can't say for sure, but I'm guessing Jordan Ratinho hasn't faced too many defenders with Christian Ellis' defensive prowess. Ellis sets the tone for this MC team that grinds out the tough victories.

I'm not making any predictions, but I think this will be a great match up.

The two things I think that MC needs to do to be successful, is to limit their turnovers, and manage their fouls. MC is playing in their home away from home. All they got to do is just play and leave it all out on the floor. I expect De La Salle will do the same.
 
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ive seen both teams a number of times. Both are excellent well coached teams. The sort of kids that every coach would love to have. It's going to be a low scoring dog fight. I think DLS has better size and this will give them multiple opportunities to score on the offensive rebounding end. But honestly it's a toss up. I say DLS by 1. They shoot FT well. Might come to that.
 
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